How to Make a Florida Orange Cranberry Sauce for Your Holiday Feast

Cranberry sauce is a classic Thanksgiving staple, but adding fresh Florida oranges can take this traditional side dish to a whole new level of flavor. The bright, natural sweetness and vibrant citrus aroma of Florida oranges perfectly complement the tartness of cranberries, creating a sauce that’s both refreshing and festive. Making your own Florida Orange Cranberry Sauce is simple, quick, and a wonderful way to bring a burst of sunshine to your holiday table.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create this delicious and colorful accompaniment for your Thanksgiving feast.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)

• 1 large Florida orange (zest and juice)

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup water

• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon or fresh grated ginger for warmth

Step 1: Prepare the Orange

Start by thoroughly washing your Florida orange. Using a microplane or fine grater, carefully zest the orange peel—be sure to only grate the bright orange part, avoiding the bitter white pith. Then, cut the orange in half and juice it, removing any seeds.

Step 2: Cook the Cranberries

In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, sugar, and water. Place the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. As the cranberries cook, they will begin to pop and soften, releasing their natural juices. This process usually takes about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Add Orange and Spice

Once the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened slightly, stir in the fresh Florida orange juice and zest. If you like, add a pinch of cinnamon or fresh grated ginger for an extra layer of holiday warmth. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the cranberry sauce to cool to room temperature. As it cools, the sauce will thicken further. Transfer to a serving bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve. This sauce can be made a day or two ahead, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Tips for the Best Florida Orange Cranberry Sauce

• Use fresh, ripe Florida oranges for the brightest, sweetest flavor. The natural sugars and juicy zest elevate the tart cranberries perfectly.

• Adjust sweetness to taste—if you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the sugar slightly or add more orange zest for extra citrus punch.

• Add texture by stirring in chopped toasted pecans or walnuts just before serving. This adds a delightful crunch.

• Try variations by mixing in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to complement your main dishes.

Why Florida Oranges?

Florida oranges are famous for their vibrant sweetness and juicy flavor, thanks to the state’s perfect growing conditions. Their natural balance of sugar and acidity makes them an ideal partner for the tartness of cranberries. Using fresh Florida orange juice and zest adds brightness and freshness that store-bought sauces simply can’t match.

This Thanksgiving, surprise your guests with a homemade Florida Orange Cranberry Sauce that’s bursting with fresh citrus flavor. It’s a simple upgrade that will bring a delicious twist to your holiday meal.

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